Books with category đź’ť Heartwarming
Displaying books 529-576 of 763 in total

The Keys of the Kingdom

2006

by A.J. Cronin

Francis Chisholm is a compassionate and humble priest whose individuality and directness make him unpopular with other clergy. Considered a failure by his superiors, he is sent to China to maintain a mission amid desperate poverty, civil war, plague, and the hostility of his superiors.

In the face of this constant danger and hardship, Father Chisholm finds the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Recognized as A. J. Cronin’s best novel, The Keys of the Kingdom is an enthralling, fast-moving, colorful tale of a deeply spiritual man called to do good in an imperfect world.

Cornelia and the Audacious Escapades of the Somerset Sisters

Eleven-year-old Cornelia is the daughter of two world-famous pianists—a legacy that should feel fabulous, but instead feels just plain lonely. She surrounds herself with dictionaries and other books to isolate herself from the outside world. But when a glamorous neighbor named Virginia Somerset moves next door with her servant Patel and a mischievous French bulldog named Mister Kinyatta, Cornelia discovers that the world is a much more exciting place than she had originally thought.

An unforgettable story of friendship and adventure that takes readers around the world and back again, Cornelia and the Audacious Escapades of the Somerset Sisters is a dazzling first novel by Lesley M. M. Blume.

Sunset Song

Sunset Song is a poignant tale of young Chris Guthrie, who finds herself torn between her deep love for the land and the harsh realities of farming life. Despite the challenges, she decides to stay in the rural community of her childhood.

The story unfolds as World War I brings about unforeseen changes, making her a widow and mocking the efforts of her youth. This narrative beautifully captures the essence of resilience and the enduring spirit of a woman amid the backdrop of a changing world.

Gossamer

2006

by Lois Lowry

Where do dreams come from? What stealthy nighttime messengers are the guardians of our most deeply hidden hopes and our half-forgotten fears? Drawing on her rich imagination, two-time Newbery winner Lois Lowry confronts these questions and explores the conflicts between the gentle bits and pieces of the past that come to life in dream, and the darker horrors that find their form in nightmare.

In a haunting story that tiptoes between reality and imagination, two people—a lonely, sensitive woman and a damaged, angry boy—face their own histories and discover what they can be to one another, renewed by the strength that comes from a tiny, caring creature they will never see.

Gossamer is perfect for readers not quite ready for Lois Lowry's Newbery-Award winner The Giver and also for readers interested in dreams, nightmares, spirits, and the dream world.

Castle Waiting, Vol. 1

Castle Waiting, Vol. 1 is a graphic novel that tells the story of an isolated, abandoned castle and the eccentric inhabitants who bring it back to life. A fable for modern times, Castle Waiting is a fairy tale that's not about rescuing the princess, saving the kingdom, or fighting the ultimate war between Good and Evil, but about being a hero in your own home.

The opening story, "The Brambly Hedge," tells the origin of the castle itself, which is abandoned by its princess in a comic twist on "Sleeping Beauty" when she rides off into the sunset with her Prince Charming. The castle becomes a refuge for misfits, outcasts, and others seeking sanctuary, playing host to a lively and colorful cast of characters that inhabit the subsequent stories, including a talking anthropomorphic horse, a mysteriously pregnant Lady on the run, and a bearded nun.

The History of Love

2006

by Nicole Krauss

The History of Love weaves a complex tapestry of love, loss, and the power of literature. It tells the story of two very different characters, whose lives are intertwined by a mysterious book. Fourteen-year-old Alma Singer is on a quest to find a cure for her mother's loneliness, a journey that leads her to the discovery of an old book her mother cherishes. Across New York, an old man named Leo Gursky is trying to hold on to his existence, reminiscing about a lost love who inspired him to write a book decades ago in Poland.

Their stories converge in a narrative that crosses oceans and generations, demonstrating the enduring impact of words and love. This novel explores the themes of memory, identity, and the survival of the human spirit, making it a heartwarming and inspirational read.

Un mundo para Julius

Un mundo para Julius es una obra maestra de la literatura peruana, considerada por muchos como la mejor novela del paĂ­s.

La historia es un retrato vibrante y crítico de un sector feliz y despreocupado de la oligarquía limeña. En el centro de la narrativa está Julius, un niño inteligente y afortunado, quien se convierte en el eje de una serie de costumbres y pensamientos que reflejan una situación de buen gusto, aunque amenazada por la fragilidad y resaltada por una injusticia terrible.

Con una mezcla sutil de ironĂ­a, nostalgia y humor, esta novela de Alfredo Bryce Echenique ofrece una visiĂłn aguda de la realidad que la convierte en una de las mejores obras de la narrativa latinoamericana.

When Crickets Cry

2006

by Charles Martin

A man with a painful past. A child with a doubtful future. And a shared journey toward healing for both their hearts.

It begins on the shaded town square in a sleepy Southern town. A spirited seven-year-old has a brisk business at her lemonade stand. However, the little girl's pretty yellow dress can't quite hide the ugly scar on her chest.

Her latest customer, a bearded stranger, drains his cup and heads to his car, his mind on a boat he's restoring at a nearby lake. The stranger understands more about the scar than he wants to admit. And the beat-up bread truck careening around the corner with its radio blaring is about to change the trajectory of both their lives.

Before it's over, they'll both know there are painful reasons why crickets cry... and that miracles lurk around unexpected corners.

Rules

2006

by Cynthia Lord

Twelve-year-old Catherine just wants a normal life. Which is near impossible when you have a brother with autism and a family that revolves around his disability. She's spent years trying to teach David the rules—from "a peach is not a funny-looking apple" to "keep your pants on in public"—in order to stop his embarrassing behaviors.

But the summer Catherine meets Jason, a paraplegic boy, and Kristi, the next-door friend she's always wished for, it's her own shocking behavior that turns everything upside down and forces her to ask: What is normal?

The Memory Artists

2006

by Jeffrey Moore

Noel Burun has synesthesia and hypermnesia: he sees words in vibrant explosions of colors and shapes, which collide and commingle to form a memory so bitingly perfect that he can remember everything, from the 1001 stories of The Arabian Nights to the color of his bib as a toddler. But for all his mnemonic abilities, he is confronted every day with a reality that is as sad as it is ironic: his beloved mother, Stella, is stricken with Alzheimer's disease, her memory slowly slipping into the quicksands of oblivion.

The Memory Artists follows Noel, helped by a motley cast of friends, on his quest to find a cure for his mother's affliction. The results are at the same time darkly funny, quirkily inventive, and very moving. Alternating between third-person narratives and the diaries of Noel and Stella, Jeffrey Moore weaves a story filled with fantastic characters and a touch of suspense that gets at the very heart of what it means to remember and forget, and that is a testament to the uplifting power of family and friendship.

Monsieur Ibrahim and The Flowers of the Qur'an

Internationally acclaimed play of cross-cultural friendship set in Paris in the 1960s. Thirteen-year-old Moses lives in the shadow of his less-than-loving father. When he's caught stealing from wise old shopkeeper Monsieur Ibrahim, he discovers an unlikely friend and a whole new world.

Together they embark on a journey that takes them from the streets of Paris to the whirling dervishes of the Golden Crescent. This delightful, moving play has already been a huge hit in Paris and New York.

Sight Hound

2006

by Pam Houston

From the bestselling author of Cowboys Are My Weakness comes a very special love story between a woman and her dog, a wolfhound who teaches "his human" that love is stronger than fear.

This long-awaited novel tells the story of Rae and her dog, Dante. Dante is a catalyst for change, not just for Rae, but for other characters who share their narratives: Rae's house-tender, her therapist, two veterinarians, and an anxiety-ridden actor named Howard, who turns out to be as stalwart as Dante himself.

As the "seer" who hunts by sight rather than smell, Dante has some things to add, as does Rose, another dog who lives at Rae's heels, and Stanley the cat. Among and above these myriad voices, Rae voices her own challenges.

With the wit and dead-on candor we've come to expect from Pam Houston, Sight Hound unfolds a story that illuminates the intangible covenant between loved ones. Here, dogs and humans are simply equal creatures, looking to connect and holding on for dear life when they do.

The Complete James Herriot

2006

by James Herriot

The Complete James Herriot is a delightful collection of eight books by the beloved author, James Herriot. This series, All Creatures Great and Small, takes you on a journey through the charming and sometimes challenging world of veterinary practice in the Yorkshire Dales.

Join Herriot as he encounters a variety of animals and their equally intriguing owners. Each story is filled with wit, humor, and heartfelt moments that will captivate readers of all ages. Whether you're an animal lover or simply enjoy a good tale, this collection is sure to entertain and inspire.

Fruits Basket, Vol. 12

2005

by Natsuki Takaya

With the beginning of the school year approaching, the gang returns from summer break—and what a vacation indeed! A new student council has been assembled, with two new secretaries: Naohito, who has declared himself Yuki's rival, and Kimi, who is known as a devil woman—and a thief of men's hearts.

Later, when Tohru goes to see her grandfather, he brings up a part of Tohru's past that she had tried to shut away. And with a parent-teacher conference on the horizon, Mayuko gives Shigure some good advice.

If You Could See Me Now

2005

by Cecelia Ahern

From the bestselling author of P.S. I Love You and Love, Rosie, Cecelia Ahern, comes an enchanting novel that leads you to wonder if Not Seeing is believing! Readers and critics alike adore Cecelia Ahern for her lighthearted yet insightful stories about modern women and their often unusual situations. In If You Could See Me Now, she takes that theme a step further, offering us a heroine who is entirely believable, and the new man in her life who is, well, slightly less so.

Elizabeth Egan's life runs on order: Both her home and her emotions are arranged just so, with little room for spontaneity. It's how she counteracts the chaos of her family—an alcoholic mother who left when she was young, an emotionally distant father, and a free-spirited sister, who seems to be following in their mother's footsteps, leaving her own six-year-old son, Luke, in Elizabeth's care.

When Ivan, Luke's mysterious new grown-up friend, enters the picture, Elizabeth doesnt know quite what to make of him. With his penchant for adventure and colorful take on things large and small, Ivan opens Elizabeth's eyes to a whole new way of living. But is it for real? Is Ivan for real? If You Could See Me Now is a love story with heart—and just a touch of magic.

Sylvester and the Magic Pebble

2005

by William Steig

Sylvester and the Magic Pebble is a delightful tale about a young donkey named Sylvester who discovers a magic pebble that can make wishes come true.

One rainy day, while carrying his newfound treasure, Sylvester encounters a lion and, in a moment of panic, wishes himself into a rock to escape danger.

However, this wish comes with unforeseen consequences, leaving Sylvester unable to hold the pebble and wish himself back to normal.

Join Sylvester on this heartwarming and imaginative journey as he navigates the challenges of his wish and discovers the true magic of family and love.

Jo's Boys

Jo's Boys is a delightful continuation of the beloved story that began in Little Women and Little Men. Set ten years after the events of Little Men, this novel takes us back to Plumfield, the New England school still under the loving guidance of Jo and her husband, Professor Bhaer.

In this final installment, Jo's boys have grown up. The tale revolves around the lives of these young men, including the rebellious Dan, the adventurous sailor Emil, and the promising musician Nat. The narrative is rich with adventure and drama, as the boys face challenges such as shipwrecks, storms, disappointment, and even murder.

Jo's Boys is a powerful and affectionate depiction of family, where the prodigal can always return, adversity is never faced alone, and dreams of being cherished, no matter the flaws, come true. This classic novel continues to capture the hearts of readers with its enduring themes of love, growth, and resilience.

At First Sight

2005

by Nicholas Sparks

There are a few things Jeremy Marsh was sure he’d never do: he’d never leave New York City; never give his heart away after barely surviving one failed marriage; and never become a parent. Now Jeremy is living in the tiny town of Boone Creek, North Carolina, engaged to Lexie Darnell, the love of his life, and anticipating the start of their family. But just as his life seems to be settling into a blissful pattern, a mysterious and disturbing e-mail sets off a chain of events that will change the course of this young couple’s relationship.

How well do we really know the ones we love? How do we handle the inevitable doubts, fears concerning parenthood, and stumbling blocks that are sometimes placed in our way? Continuing the story of the young couple introduced in Sparks’s bestselling True Believer, this novel captures all the heartbreak, tension, romance and surprises of those who are newly wed. An astonishing tale about the love between a man and a woman and between a parent and a child, At First Sight is about endings that bring new beginnings... tragedies that lead to unexpected joy... and, most of all, the magic of everlasting love.

Socrates In Love

Socrates in Love took the Japanese publishing industry by storm, becoming the all-time best selling novel in Japan! Finally, U.S. readers will be able to experience the phenomenon that became the inspiration for a blockbuster movie, a hit TV show, and a popular manga.

A national sensation that touched over three million readers, KyĹŤichi Katayama brought innocent love and romance to the forefront of Japan's ultra-hip mass market. Affectionately known as "Sekachu" in Japan, Katayama's novel depicts a sweet high school romance between an average guy and a popular girl. But tragedy ensues when the girl falls ill with leukemia.

A bittersweet tale of young love, enduring devotion, and heartbreaking loss, Socrates in Love is a story to cherish and nurture.

Milkweed

2005

by Jerry Spinelli

He's a boy called Jew. Gypsy. Stopthief. Runt. Happy. Fast. Filthy son of Abraham. He's a boy who lives in the streets of Warsaw. He's a boy who steals food for himself and the other orphans. He's a boy who believes in bread, and mothers, and angels.

He's a boy who wants to be a Nazi some day, with tall shiny jackboots and a gleaming Eagle hat of his own. Until the day that suddenly makes him change his mind. And when the trains come to empty the Jews from the ghetto of the damned, he's a boy who realizes it's safest of all to be nobody.

Newbery Medalist Jerry Spinelli takes us to one of the most devastating settings imaginable—Nazi-occupied Warsaw of World War II—and tells a tale of heartbreak, hope, and survival through the bright eyes of a young orphan.

La petite fille de Monsieur Linh

Monsieur Linh est un vieil homme. Il a quitté son village dévasté par la guerre, n’emportant avec lui qu’une petite valise contenant quelques vêtements usagés, une photo jaunie, une poignée de terre de son pays.

Dans ses bras, repose un nouveau-né. Les parents de l’enfant sont morts et Monsieur Linh a décidé de partir avec Sang diû, sa petite fille. Après un long voyage en bateau, ils débarquent dans une ville froide et grise, avec des centaines de réfugiés.

Monsieur Linh a tout perdu. Il partage désormais un dortoir avec d’autres exilés qui se moquent de sa maladresse. Dans cette ville inconnue où les gens s’ignorent, il va pourtant se faire un ami, Monsieur Bark, un gros homme solitaire. Ils ne parlent pas la même langue, mais ils comprennent la musique des mots et la pudeur des gestes.

Monsieur Linh est un cœur simple, brisé par les guerres et les deuils, qui ne vit plus que pour sa petite fille. Philippe Claudel accompagne ses personnages avec respect et délicatesse. Il célèbre les thèmes universels de l’amitié et de la compassion. Ce roman possède la grâce et la limpidité des grands classiques.

The Wedding

2005

by Nicholas Sparks

After thirty years of marriage, Wilson Lewis, son-in-law of Allie and Noah Calhoun (of The Notebook), is forced to admit that the romance has gone out of his marriage. Desperate to win back his wife, Jane's, heart, he must figure out how to make her fall in love with him... again. Despite the shining example of Allie and Noah's marriage, Wilson is himself a man unable to easily express his emotions. A successful estate attorney, he has provided well for his family, but now, with his daughter's upcoming wedding, he is forced to face the fact that he and Jane have grown apart and he wonders if she even loves him anymore. Wilson is sure of one thing--his love for his wife has only deepened and intensified over the years. Now, with the memories of his in-laws' magnificent fifty-year love affair as his guide, Wilson struggles to find his way back into the heart of the woman he adores.

Mackenzie's Legacy: Mackenzie's Mountain / Mackenzie's Mission

2005

by Linda Howard

Mackenzie's Mountain - Mackenzie's Mission

Wolf MacKenzie: The loner had a way with horses and a deep mistrust for outsiders. Until one woman dared venture onto Mackenzie's mountain, determined to tame the rugged half-breed.

Joe "Breed" Mackenzie: Like his father before him, he was as wild as the wind...and not about to settle down. Yet one equally stubborn blonde—bent on reversing Mackenzie's mission—would stop at nothing to make Joe her own.

What Price Paradise

All his life, Tate McCullom has been taught to be responsible, and he is the very model of what a respectable man should be. Until the night he gets drunk and sleeps with a woman he barely knows.


Now, six weeks later, she's pregnant, alone, and broke. Once again, Tate must take responsibility for his actions, and makes plans to marry his child's mother. There's only one problem... he has to tell his fiancée.


Abby Grayson hasn't had an easy life. As the daughter of the town whore, people either avoid her or think she's like her mother. For Abby, it's a struggle just to fill her belly and keep a roof over her head. Loneliness and a secret yearning for this man she thought she'd never have led her to spend the night with Tate. But the last thing she needs is a baby when she can barely take care of herself.


Desperate, but too proud to ask for help, she finally agrees to accept a job from Tate - the job of being his wife. Now she has almost everything she's ever dreamed of. Unfortunately, only one thing will gain her Tate's love - his realization that the night he spent with her was no drunken accident. It was a last-ditch attempt to win the woman he really wanted.

Hope Was Here

2005

by Joan Bauer

When Hope and her aunt move to small-town Wisconsin to take over the local diner, Hope's not sure what to expect. But what they find is that the owner, G.T., isn't quite ready to give up yet - in fact, he's decided to run for mayor against a corrupt candidate.

As Hope starts to make her place at the diner, she also finds herself caught up in G.T.'s campaign - particularly his visions for the future. After all, as G.T. points out, everyone can use a little hope to help get through the tough times... even Hope herself.

Filled with heart, charm, and good old-fashioned fun, this is Joan Bauer at her best.

The Wonder Spot

2005

by Melissa Bank

Melissa Bank's runaway bestseller, The Girls' Guide to Hunting and Fishing, charmed readers and critics alike with its wickedly insightful, tender look at a young woman's forays into love, work, and friendship. Now, with The Wonder Spot, Bank is back with her signature combination of devilishly self-deprecating humor, seriousness, and wisdom.

Nothing comes easily to Sophie Applebaum, the black sheep of her family, trying to blend in with the herd. Uneasily situated between two brothers, Sophie first appears as the fulcrum and observer of her clan in "Boss of the World." Then, at college, in "The Toy Bar," she faces a gauntlet of challenges as Best Friend to the dramatic and beautiful Venice Lambourne, curator of "perfect things." In her early twenties, Sophie is dazzled by the possibilities of New York City during the Selectric typewriter era—only to land solidly back in Surrey, PA after her father's death.

The Wonder Spot follows Sophie's quest for her own identity—who she is, what she loves, whom she loves, and occasionally whom she feels others should love—over the course of 25 years. In an often-disappointing world, Sophie listens closely to her own heart. And when she experiences her 'Aha!' moments—her own personal wonder spots—it's the real thing.

The Man Who Loved Clowns

2005

by June Rae Wood

Delrita likes being invisible. If no one notices her, then no one will notice her uncle Punky either. Punky is a grown man with a child's mind. Delrita loves him dearly and can't stand people making fun of his Down Syndrome. But when tragedy strikes, Delrita's quiet life—and Punky's—are disrupted forever.

Can she finally learn to trust others, for her own sake and Punky's? This story captures the joy and sorrow that come when we open our hearts to love.

Danzig Passage

Danzig Passage opens in the year 1936, amidst the rising tide of Nazi terrorism. In Zion Covenant #5, courageous stories unfold, depicting those who risk everything to stand against the deceitful guise of Hitler's Third Reich.

Jewish children must be evacuated as brutal Nazi reprisals break out. As the danger escalates, the narrative weaves through the heart-wrenching decisions and daring escapes that mark this turbulent era.

Join the journey as characters navigate through perilous times, showcasing resilience and bravery in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Munich Signature

Munich Signature opens in the year 1936, amidst the ominous rise of Nazi terrorism sweeping through central Europe. This gripping tale is the third installment in the Zion Covenant series, where courage and conviction are tested against the backdrop of Hitler's Third Reich.

The story follows 800 Jewish refugees as they embark on a perilous journey aboard a battered freighter, facing the heart-wrenching reality of having no harbor willing to offer them sanctuary. It's a tale of desperation, hope, and the relentless quest for freedom.

Experience the breathtaking drama that continues from Vienna Prelude and Prague Counterpoint, as the characters strive to stand against tyranny and find a place to call home.

Prague Counterpoint

Prague Counterpoint opens in 1936, set against the backdrop of central Europe on the brink of World War II. Elisa Lindheim, a courageous heroine, finds herself caught in the heart of the turmoil as Hitler's ominous plans begin to unfold.

As the Nazi regime's deceitful power spreads, Elisa takes a bold stand, risking everything to rescue two small boys and challenge the growing tide of terrorism. Her journey is a compelling tale of bravery and resilience, offering a poignant look at the human spirit in the face of overwhelming danger.

Join Elisa and other brave souls in the Zion Covenant series as they confront the darkness with courage and hope.

I Am the Messenger

2005

by Markus Zusak

Ed Kennedy is an underage cabdriver without much of a future. He's pathetic at playing cards, hopelessly in love with his best friend, Audrey, and utterly devoted to his coffee-drinking dog, the Doorman. His life is one of peaceful routine and incompetence until he inadvertently stops a bank robbery.

That's when the first ace arrives in the mail. That's when Ed becomes the messenger. Chosen to care, he makes his way through town helping and hurting (when necessary) until only one question remains: Who's behind Ed's mission?

Keegan's Lady

Only Love Can Heal a Wounded Soul...

Caitlin O'Shannessy's late father left her with many things: a Colorado ranch, enduring memories of pain and sadness, an unshakable mistrust of men... and an adversary.

Ace Keegan has returned to No Name, too late to enact a rightful vengeance on his most hated enemy. The man who put a hole in Ace's life is dead, leaving a daughter behind to run the family enterprise. Though proud and strong as well as beautiful, Caitlin is caught off guard when Ace's calculated anger inadvertently destroys her good name.

But Ace Keegan is a man of honor, determined to make amends by marrying the enchanting lady he wronged—and to nurture with patience and love the light she guards in her damaged heart until it blazes with the power of a thousand suns.

Love Story

2005

by Erich Segal

Oliver Barrett IV, a wealthy jock from a stuffy WASP family on his way to a Harvard degree and a career in law... Jenny Cavilleri, a sharp-tongued, working-class beauty studying music at Radcliffe...Opposites in nearly every way, Oliver and Jenny are kindred spirits from vastly different worlds. Falling deeply and powerfully, their attraction to one another defies everything they have ever believed—as they share a passion far greater than anything they dreamed possible... and explore the wonder of a love that must end too soon.

One of the most adored novels of our time, this is the book that defined a generation—a story of uncompromising devotion, of life as it really is... and love that changes everything.

My Sunshine

New York Times bestselling author Catherine Anderson's Coulter Family series continues in this poignant story of a love that defies all the odds.

Five years ago, Laura Townsend’s life was nearly destroyed when a head injury impaired her ability to use language and forced her to abandon a brilliant career. Despite her difficulties, she never lost her vivacious spirit or sunny disposition. Now she has a great new job at an animal clinic—and a handsome new boss who fills her heart with longing. But veterinarian Isaiah Coulter deserves a woman who can meet all his needs. Battling her feelings, Laura decides that sometimes a woman must love a man enough to walk away…

When Isaiah hired Laura, he wasn’t expecting her to be such a breath of fresh air. Impressed by her healing touch—and captivated by her dazzling beauty—Isaiah finds himself falling in love. And he’ll move heaven and earth to convince Laura that she’s the woman he needs….

Oceans Apart

2005

by Karen Kingsbury

A forgotten secret. A shocking discovery. A sacrifice of love that will bring Connor Evans to his knees.

Airline Captain Connor Evans has nearly forgotten that stormy weekend in Hawaii eight years ago when he broke the greatest promise of all. Now Connor has the perfect life with his wife, Michele, and their two daughters, and the secret of that long-ago time is his alone.

But an ocean away, a flight attendant is raising her young son by herself when the plane she's working on crashes into the Pacific. Her will is very clear about one thing—before the child can be given over to the state, his father must be contacted.

The news rocks Captain Evans' life, and in the process, he is presented with a choice: Refuse the child and never hear from him again, or take him for two weeks and decide whether to claim the boy as his own.

Now, the family is on the brink of destruction. Can Michele and their daughters ever forgive Connor for what went wrong all those years ago? Or will the presence of one lonely child destroy everything?

Beyond Tuesday Morning

2004

by Karen Kingsbury

The hope-filled sequel to the bestselling One Tuesday Morning.

In this new novel by Karen Kingsbury, three years have passed since the terrorist attacks on New York City. Jamie Bryan, widow of a firefighter who lost his life on that terrible day, has found meaning in her season of loss by volunteering at St. Paul’s, the memorial chapel across the street from where the Twin Towers once stood. Here she meets a daily stream of people touched by the tragedy, including two men with whom she feels a connection. One is a firefighter also changed by the attacks, the other a police officer from Los Angeles.

But as Jamie gets to know the police officer, she is stunned to find out that he is the brother of Eric Michaels, the man with the uncanny resemblance to Jamie’s husband, the man who lived with her for three months after September 11. Eric is the man she has vowed never to see again. Certain she could not share even a friendship with his brother, Jamie shuts out the police officer and delves deeper into her work at St. Paul’s.

Now it will take the persistence of a tenacious man, the questions from her curious young daughter, and the words from her dead husband’s journal to move Jamie beyond one Tuesday morning.

Jamie Bryan took her position at the far end of the Staten Island Ferry, pressed her body against the railing, eyes on the place where the Twin Towers once stood. She could face it now, every day if she had to. The terrorist attacks had happened, the World Trade Center had collapsed, and the only man she’d ever loved had gone down with them.

Late fall was warmer than usual, and the breeze across the water washed over Jamie’s face. If she could do this, if she could make this journey three times a week while Sierra was in school, then she could convince herself to get through another long, dark night. She could face the empty place in the bed beside her, face the longing for the man who had been her best friend, the one she’d fallen for when she was only a girl.

Drums, Girls & Dangerous Pie

From first-time novelist, Jordan Sonnenblick, comes a brave and beautiful story that will make readers laugh and break their hearts at the same time.

Thirteen-year-old Steven has a totally normal life; he plays drums in the All-Star Jazz band, has a crush on the hottest girl in the school, and is constantly annoyed by his five-year-old brother, Jeffrey. But when Jeffrey is diagnosed with leukemia, Steven's world is turned upside down. He is forced to deal with his brother's illness and his parents' attempts to keep the family in one piece.

Salted with humor and peppered with devastating realities, Drums, Girls & Dangerous Pie is a heartwarming journey through a year in the life of a family in crisis.

Not the End of the World

2004

by Kate Atkinson

Arthur is a precocious eight-year-old boy whose mother is a B-list celebrity more concerned with the state of her bank account than with her son's development. Then an enigmatic young nanny named Missy introduces him to a world he never knew existed.

Nights of Rain and Stars

2004

by Maeve Binchy

In a Greek taverna, high over the small village of Aghia Anna, four people meet for the first time: Fiona, an Irish nurse; Thomas, a Californian academic; Elsa, a German television presenter; and David, a shy English boy. Along with Andreas, the old man who runs the taverna, they become close after witnessing a tragedy when a pleasure steamer catches fire in the harbour.

Nights of Rain and Stars is the story of one summer when Fiona, Thomas, Elsa, and David all have to face the particular life crisis which first made them leave their homes and end up in Greece. With the help of Vonni, a middle-aged Irish woman who lives in the village and is now a near-native, they each find a solution - although not necessarily the one they anticipated...

Small Change: The Secret Life of Penny Burford

"It's not what you have but what you do with it that counts." This is the story of how that philosophy played out in the life of Penny Burford, an ordinary housewife who leaves an extraordinary legacy.

Small Change is about a devoted housewife, Penny Burford, who scoops up her husband Roy's loose change and eventually puts together a substantial bank account. She uses the money for secret charities, of which the phlegmatic Roy learns only upon Penny's death. Why Penny did what she did the way she did it then becomes the story, and the reader must return to Roy and Penny's childhoods to understand it fully.

Yandell is sentimental but not syrupy: Roy and Penny's marriage is realistically drawn, and the points she makes about the nature of charity are well taken. With something as small as a furtive trip to a fast-food restaurant in a Georgia town, she finds that small change can eventually lead to big changes.

Thirty-four years later, Roy finds a check for $1,500 drawn on an account bearing only Penny's name. He is bewildered, wondering how his wife, who has never worked outside their home in her entire life, managed to come by so much money. His quest to unravel this mystery leads him to other discoveries about the woman he thought he knew so well. Roy learns just how many lives Penny has touched and just how well his wife had known his secrets all those years—and her example shows him how to begin life anew.

Small Change is a deceptively simple story that explores the human condition in a rich emotional portrait. A remarkable tale of an ordinary housewife who leaves an extraordinary legacy, it reminds us of the true spirit of charity, the effects of poverty, and the tragic self-silencing that limits the richness of far too many women's lives.

Bet Me

2004

by Jennifer Crusie

Minerva Dobbs knows that happily-ever-after is a fairy tale, especially with a man who asked her to dinner to win a bet. Even if he is gorgeous and successful Calvin Morrisey. Cal knows commitment is impossible, especially with a woman as cranky as Min Dobbs. Even if she does wear great shoes, and keep him on his toes. When they say good-bye at the end of their evening, they cut their losses and agree never to see each other again.

But Fate has other plans, and it's not long before Min and Cal meet again. Soon, they're dealing with a jealous ex-boyfriend, Krispy Kreme donuts, a determined psychologist, chaos theory, a freakishly intelligent cat, Chicken Marsala, and more risky propositions than either of them ever dreamed of. Including the biggest gamble of all—true love.

All Things Bright and Beautiful

2004

by James Herriot

James Herriot's All Things Bright and Beautiful: The Warm and Joyful Memoirs of the World's Most Beloved Animal Doctor is the second volume in the multimillion copy bestselling series. This edition brings to life Herriot's experiences as a veterinarian in the Yorkshire Dales, filled with humor, compassion, and love of life.

Now newly married, Herriot journeys among the remote hillside farms and valley towns of the Yorkshire Dales, caring for their inhabitants—both two- and four-legged. His deep compassion, humor, and love of life shine out as we laugh, cry, and delight in his portraits of his many, varied animal patients and their equally varied owners.

Sam's Letters to Jennifer

2004

by James Patterson

Grief-stricken by a recent tragedy, Jennifer returns to the resort village where she grew up to help her beloved grandmother. There, Jennifer will discover new meaning in life and experience not one, but two of the most amazing love stories ever.

Have you ever gotten a letter that changed your life completely? Sam's Letters to Jennifer is a novel about that kind of drama. In it, a woman is summoned back to the town where she grew up. And in the house where she spent her most magical years, she finds a series of letters addressed to her. Each of those letters is a piece of a story that will upend completely the world she thought she knew - and throw her into a love more powerful than she ever imagined could be possible. Two extraordinary love stories are entwined here, full of hope and pain and emotions that never die down.

When her beloved grandmother is hospitalized, Jennifer returns to the lakeside home where she spent a magical childhood. There she finds a package of letters addressed to her that tell of passion, intrigue, and desire. This is the real tale of her grandmother's life. It's a shocking family secret, concealed for decades, and the most moving love story Jennifer has ever heard. Then comes the biggest surprise of all. Jennifer lets her guard down for a moment and is overcome by exhilarating new emotions. It might come with an unbearable cost - but her grandmother's letters make Jennifer think that love may help her find a way.

Missing May

2004

by Cynthia Rylant

Missing May is a touching story about grief, love, and the enduring bond of family. Ever since May, Summer's aunt and good-as-a-mother for the past six years, passed away in the garden among her pole beans and carrots, life for Summer and her Uncle Ob has been as bleak as winter. Ob doesn't want to create his beautiful whirligigs anymore, and both he and Summer have slipped into a sadness they can't shake off.

They need May in whatever form they can have her—a message, a whisper, a sign that will tell them what to do next. When that sign finally comes, Summer discovers that she and Ob can keep missing May but still go on with their lives.

Three Wishes

2004

by Liane Moriarty

Lyn, Cat, and Gemma Kettle, beautiful thirty-three-year-old triplets, seem to attract attention everywhere they go. Whenever they're together, laughter, drama, and mayhem seem to follow. But apart, each is very much her own woman, dealing with her own share of ups and downs.

Lyn has organized her life into one big checklist, juggling the many balls of work, marriage, and motherhood with expert precision, but is she as together as her datebook would have her seem? Cat has just learned a startling secret about her marriage—can she bring another life into her very precarious world? And can free-spirited Gemma, who bolts every time a relationship hits the six-month mark, ever hope to find lasting love?

In this wise, witty, hilarious novel, we follow the Kettle sisters through their thirty-third year, as they struggle to survive their divorced parents' dating each other, their technologically savvy grandmother, a cheating husband, champagne hangovers, and the fabulous, frustrating life of forever being part of a trio.

Pictures of Hollis Woods

Pictures of Hollis Woods is a heartwarming tale that captures the essence of belonging and family. Meet Hollis Woods, a twelve-year-old orphan who has never known a true family. Her life has been a series of foster homes, each one blending into the next.

But everything changes when she is placed with Josie, an elderly artist who is both quirky and affectionate. Josie needs Hollis just as much as Hollis needs her. Together, they form an unlikely bond, filled with laughter, art, and understanding.

However, as Josie becomes more forgetful, the threat of being separated looms large. Hollis is determined not to let anyone come between them. She plans to escape the system once more, this time with Josie by her side.

Amidst these plans, Hollis's mind drifts back to memories of a summer spent with the Regans, a family that truly cared for her. She captures these cherished moments in her art, fixing each special memory in pictures she'll never forget.

Patricia Reilly Giff masterfully weaves a story that emphasizes the importance of artistic vision, creativity, and, above all, family.

Good Grief

2004

by Lolly Winston

Thirty-six-year-old Sophie Stanton desperately wants to be a good widow—a graceful, composed, Jackie Kennedy kind of widow. Alas, she is more of the Jack Daniels kind. Self-medicating with ice cream for breakfast, breaking down at the supermarket, and showing up to work in her bathrobe and bunny slippers—soon she's not only lost her husband, but her job, house...and waistline.

With humor and chutzpah, Sophie leaves town, determined to reinvent her life. But starting over has its hurdles; soon she's involved with a thirteen-year-old who has a fascination with fire, and a handsome actor who inspires a range of feelings she can't cope with—yet.

Rejoice

Rejoice is the fourth book in the Redemption series, bringing readers back to the compelling saga of the Baxter family. Brooke Baxter has achieved everything this world has to offer—a prestigious career, a beautiful home, and two wonderful children. Her recent return to her faith is an encouragement to her family.

But when faced with tremendous loss, can her fledgling faith and her rocky marriage survive? Rejoice explores themes of faith, loss, and the strength of family ties amidst adversity.

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